Cape Town City, we salute you

IN SOCCER, anything can happen. And it often does. Especially in South African soccer… But it would probably be safe to say that the PSL title race has now come down to a straight shootout between Sundowns and Wits.

Cape Town City’s 4-2 loss to SuperSport on Tuesday has all but ended their hopes of lifting the gleaming trophy. It now looks like they will end third on the final log.

Yet not for a moment should this detract from their first season in the PSL. In fact, quite the opposite. The Cape Town City story has been a fabulous story.

Coach Eric Tinkler was right on the money when he pointed out that finishing third in their first season is a “phenomenal achievement.” And Tinkler is one of the first people who should take a prolonged bow and soak up the applause. The former Bafana Bafana iron man is now a coach made of steel, and his players clearly love playing for him.

Speaking of the players, they obviously deserve our warm praise. As our soccer writer Rodney Reiners pointed out in the sports pages this week, you can draw a line through the City team, from goalkeeper Shu-aib Walters right through – the City boys have all contributed to some marvellous victories, including the recent thrilling win over Kaizer Chiefs at home.

And then there is John Comitis, the outspoken City boss. He took a lot of flak when he turned his purchase of Mpumalanga Black Aces into the formation of Cape Town City. And who is smiling now? We owe John Comitis a lot for what he has done for soccer in our city.

Perhaps, best of all, this Cape Town City is a team for all the people of our beautiful city, not just for some people as the previous version was.

So, once again, we fire the noon gun as we salute you, Cape Town City. You have made us proud, and made our skins tingle with excitement. Now we can’t wait for the victory parade with the trophy down our streets next year!